In today’s day and age, stress and depression are rampant. It doesn’t seem to matter what kind of job or lifestyle you live, these two oppressive forces will weasel their ways into your life. Many people are turning to comfort animals for the love, companionship, and support that they need to get through the hard times. What Is a Comfort Animal? A comfort animal is a companion of an individual that rarely leaves their side. They tend to be dogs and cats but can really come in the form of most any animal. Comfort animals have certain attributes about them that allow them to give the love and support that their owners need. The animals need to be loyal to the utmost. Many people who have comfort animals have been betrayed or forgotten by those that loved them, so comfort animals must never abandon their owners. These animals must also have an even temperament and a forgiving spirit in order to best fulfill the needs of their owner. What Does a Comfort Animal Do? A comfort animal supplies the necessary companionship and loyalty their owner needs. The beloved animals constantly stay at the side of their owners. They can sense when their owner is feeling down or particularly stressed, and they will climb into the owner’s lap or lick their owner’s hand. A simple gesture and touch from these animals allows their owners to come back into reality and center themselves. A comfort animal is a simple way that many people are finding sanctuary in this world. Comfort animals are more than pets—they are true companions to their owners. When everything else in life is going wrong, a comfort animal will still be by your side, loving and caring for you. They are truly a blessing for any person who is...

Having a comfort animal is a joy and a blessing, but how do you know that you need one? There are many different reasons why people seek out comfort animals. Some do it naturally while others try it at the suggestion of a doctor. Anyone who has a comfort animal has it to help with some sort of suffering. Whether that is from a disability, stress, depression, abandonment, abuse, or any of a myriad of reasons, comfort animals have been shown to help their companions. Disability While most people are aware that people suffering from eye issues have seeing-eye dogs, many are unaware that comfort animals also provide essential services to those with disabilities. For the blind, handicapped, maimed, and disabled, comfort animals provide an emotional connection that is often lacking in the lives of those afflicted. Some conditions lead to better communication with animals than people, such as many autistic persons. When these people are allowed and encouraged to keep a comfort animal with them, it brightens their mood and allows for more connection elsewhere. Stress Many owners of comfort animals find that they need something to relax them. They might have tried massages or hobbies and found that those just didn’t work. They then realized that they needed another living thing to form a connection with, so they chose comfort animals. While with their furry friends, these individuals can forget about the source of their stress. They can leave their worry behind and work on forging a connection with their comfort animal. Depression Many doctors of patients with depression have suggested comfort animals to these patients. The doctors feel that having a connection with such an animal is an effective way to help the depressed deal with depression. It isn’t meant as a “cure,” but rather as a way to make day-to-day life more bearable for individuals who lack the motivation to simply get out of bed. These are just a few examples of people who can use comfort animals effectively and positively. There are innumerable circumstances that could merit the addition of a comfort animal to your life, and many are unexpected. If you are consistently finding yourself in need of an emotional connection, you should look in to a comfort...

Some people who are considering comfort animals are concerned with how often they can keep the animal with them. Many people who live in apartment might have a no-pet policy that would keep them from looking further into getting a comfort animal. Others might spend all day in a work environment where animals are not permitted. There are some easy steps to take that can solve most problems. Find a Doctor The first thing to do is to find a doctor who is an advocate for comfort animals. It is best if they know you well, but you need an official doctor’s note as you work on getting permission for your comfort animal. The doctor will need to verify that a comfort animal will help you with a certified problem or condition. Once he or she has done that, they will write a note explaining the circumstances (as much as you are comfortable with), and giving their diagnosis that a comfort animal will significantly help you in your day-to-day life. Talk to Your Landlord (if you have one) If you are living somewhere that pets aren’t allowed, talk to your landlord before getting a comfort animal. The old adage, “it’s easier to get forgiveness than permission,” does not apply here. In this circumstance, you should talk to your landlord and ask for permission beforehand. You can show your landlord the note from your doctor, which should help to convince him or her. Another good thing to do is to provide research on how comfort animals can help and on how other landlords have dealt with it. Coming in with this information will show the landlord that this isn’t a whim, but that it is a serious request that they should take seriously. If they aren’t willing to allow a comfort animal, request that your contract be nullified once you find somewhere that will allow one. Talk to Your Boss If you want to be able to take your comfort animal to work, it is again better to gain permission first. Talk to your boss and see what conditions might be required to have a comfort animal present. It is very possible that your coworkers might have allergies to animals or that the building code prohibits them. Many employers will be willing to work with you to allow you to have a comfort animal, provided it is medically documented to help you. To repeat this one more time, it is better to get permission than forgiveness. Asking beforehand shows that...

Having Your Own Comfort Animal

A Trusted Companion

Any animal or pet that you love and trust can be your comfort animal. These are typically dogs or cats. Animals that respond well to calls or commands generally work better for people, but it can really be any animal that you love and trust.

What's a Comfort Animal?

A comfort animal is a pet that you come to rely on for comfort, love, and support. Many elderly people and other senior citizens use comfort animals as a constant companion and friend. People with disabilities or depression also find comfort animals helpful for happy companionship.

Who Needs a Comfort Animal?

Anyone who has a need for comfort animal can have one, but people who have lost a loved one or are feeling stressed can get a lot out of their relationship with their comfort animal. Sometimes just having a furry friend by your side can make all the difference when you're feeling sad or lonely.

The Perks of Comfort Animals

If you live in an apartment where animals aren't allowed, showing need for a comfort animal can help you get a pet. If you talk with a vet who promotes the use of comfort animals, and take the necessary documents to your landlord, they might give in and decide you can have a pet anyway.